Coleoptera

[koh-lee-op-ter-uh, kol-ee-] /ˌkoʊ liˈɒp tər ə, ˌkɒl i-/
noun
1.
the order comprising the beetles.
Origin
1755-65; < Neo-Latin < Greek koleóptera, neuter plural of koleópteros sheath-winged, equivalent to koleo- (combining form representing koleón sheath, scabbard; see -o-) + -pteros -pterous; term used by Aristotle in describing beetles

coleopteron

[koh-lee-op-ter-uh n, kol-ee-] /ˌkoʊ liˈɒp tər ən, ˌkɒl i-/
noun, plural coleoptera
[koh-lee-op-ter-uh, kol-ee-] /ˌkoʊ liˈɒp tər ə, ˌkɒl i-/ (Show IPA)
1.
a coleopterous insect; beetle.
Origin
1755-65; < Neo-Latin < Greek: singular of Coleoptera
Examples from the web for Coleoptera
  • Such collections add to the body of knowledge about the Coleoptera.
Word Origin and History for Coleoptera

coleoptera

n.

1763, from Modern Latin, from Greek koleopteros, literally "sheath-wing," used by Aristotle to describe beetles, from koleos "sheath" (see cell) + pteron "wing" (see pterodactyl). Related: Coleopterous.